Women Reservation Bill to Be Introduced in LS before March 16

Parliamentary Affairs Minister PK Bansal has said that the government wants to push through the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha before the house adjourns on March 16 for a three-week break, reported IANS.

Ending speculation about the fate of the legislation, the minister said that it would be passed in the lower house before March 16, said report.

“That’s our intention,” Bansal was quoted as saying.

Besides, he also said that the government could consider retracting suspension of seven Rajya Sabha MPs provided regrets are expressed by them to Chairman Hamid Ansari, report said.

“It (the suspension) was a well considered action as the (the members) had insulted the dignity of the house. The minimum thing is to go to the chairman,” Bansal was quoted as saying while talking to reporters.

Despite continued opposition from RJD and SP, the government showed confidence of managing to push the legislation through the Lok Sabha, report said.

“The government will manage to get the support of all its allies when it comes in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing. We will manage the family,” Law Minister M Veerappa Moily was quoted as saying.

Parliament will adjourn March 16 for a three-week break and will meet April 12. The session concludes May 7.